Aston Villa chasing Southampton striker before loan transfer window closes

Southampton striker Shane Long is reportedly one of Aston Villa’s main transfer targets ahead of the loan window closing at the end of August.

According to BirminghamLive, Steve Bruce is desperate to sign a striker on loan before 31st August and Republic of Ireland international Long is among his top targets, alongside towering Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham.

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Long, who previously played for Villa rivals West Bromwich Albion, was a regular feature in Saints’ pre-season, but was left out of the Southampton squad for the first game of the season against Burnley two weekends ago.

However, Long returned to the side and made a brief cameo against Everton as a substitute on Saturday.